Most of the trash we produce end up in landfills, even when thrown in recycling bins. This escalating waste dilemma poses a risk to the environment and human health, prompting the need for people to adopt sustainable practices with a stronger sense of urgency.

In the Philippines, where the spirit of bayanihan or civic unity and cooperation runs deep, a coastal city is demonstrating the power of collective action, one step at a time, to embed sustainability into the mindset of its residents.

The efforts of Bayawan in Negros Occidental started after the Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) was passed, one of which is implementing waste segregation at the source.

The city has established an ecology center to process biodegradable waste into compost and recycle imperishable trash, which helps turn a trash-free community into reality. It handles a system where non-compliance incurs penalties, and waste is collected based on a strict schedule. Biodegradable waste accounts for about 10 tons of daily garbage, while non-biodegradable waste amounts to around 15 tons each day in the city.

Proving their commitment to helping save the planet, Bayawan residents have a 27.4-hectare landfill that has managed their residual waste since 2010, and a wastewater treatment facility that uses sunlight and aeration.

With zero waste as the mission, the city seeks to continuously improve its facilities and processes and plans to transform its landfill into a tourist destination that promotes eco-friendly practices.

Bayawan City helps prove that proper waste segregation is possible with discipline and collective action, and sustainability is more achievable when people are involved. Although it is a small city, it has the power to spark big change, hoping other cities follow suit.